Thursday, April 06, 2017

What's New For The ATRs? Some Facts And More Rumors.




























It appears that the ATR rotation has ended for the most part this school year.  The majority of the ATRs were left in their school when the last rotation occurred.  The only ATRs moved were ATRs that were better suited for certain schools.  Like music teachers being sent to a performing arts school or a Math teacher sent to schools where the Math scores are poor and the ATR can provide extra support like tutoring and Regents prep.

Let's go over the facts and the rumors about the ATR situation as presently known.

Fact, it certainly looks like the ATR rotation is history this school year and I have been told by a DOE official that all ATRs will be "forced placed" next September.  The details are currently being worked out with the UFT in their secret meetings on the issue that will result in a new ATR agreement for the next school year.

Fact, the field supervisor will still be the rating officer this school year, unless you are provisionally or permently appointed.  While the school administration can observe you and even rate you, most will not bother to add to their paperwork.

Fact, Amy Arundell told the Executive Board that 200 ATRs obtained permanent positions due to the latest incentive.  She also said that leaves 800 ATRs without a classroom.  What was left unsaid by Amy was that between 400 and 500 ATRs have previously been provisionally appointed and will be dumped back into the ATR pool this summer.  Therefore the 800 is really 1,300.

Fact, the DOE maintains two ATR lists.  The first for ATRs who were excessed due to school or course closing and the other because of discipline.  Only the ATRs on the excessed list are being offered to principals to be hired.   The few ATRs on the discipline list that were hired occurred because there are no ATRs available in the subject area from the excessed list of that District or Borough.

Fact, the DOE and UFT keep the ATRs in the dark about changes in the ATR situation and don't seek out ATR input on issues concerning the ATRs.  Once the UFT had an ATR group but they have not met in more than two years and there is no plan to bring it back together.

Rumor, the ATR rotation and field supervisors will no longer exist in the 2017-18 school year.

Rumor, all ATRs will be subject to Danielson and the teacher evaluation system.  No more "S" or "U" ratings.

Rumor, the DOE and City will offer the ATR an incentive to retire or resign, similar to the 2014 incentive.

Rumor, UFT President Michael Mulgrew told a meeting of retirees in Boca Raton, Florida that he will be signing off on a deal to eliminate the ATR pool.   I cannot independently verify this.

Whether its a fact or rumor, the bottom line is the DOE and UFT will continue to keep the ATRs in the dark and without their input, as significant changes are expected in the ATR pool for the next school year.


39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Honestly,

You and this blog are where I get valid information about my livelihood

Thanks Chaz.

Any guesses how forced placements will go? I cannot see principals just taking ATRs

Thanks for the great post!

Bronx ATR said...

Secret meetings; no input from UFT members - ATRs, that it directly impacts; the fact that a retiree in Florida can get more information on ATR issues than a working ATR in NYC, shows a total lack of respect for us as educators and UFT members. It's a disgrace;
and it's also a disgrace that retirees should be allowed to vote in union elections in which Mulgrew actively ingratiates himself with those who have no stake in how and what the union does and doesn't do in its abysmal failure to its working members.

Anonymous said...

So, ATR's will be force placed. Will they be placed in license in their own district?

ATR 25/55 said...

Yes, I read that story about the retiree meeting in Florida too. The union that has real power here and calls the shots is the CSA. After all, they were able to get the "back pay" for their members who were teachers a few years ago, while the UFT looked the other way for its former members. "Forced placement" does not imply "permanent" placements, and in many subject areas there are more teachers than positions available. Principals will do everything they can to keep ATRs out of permanent positions. My prediction is that Mighty Mike will announce another "victory" on behalf of the members. Many ATRs will be placed, but only to provisional spots, and let go at the end of the year, if not earlier when some newbie can be hired. The majority of the ATRs will continue to be free substitute teachers for any and all subjects, grades, and even non-teaching activities. Yes, a few will get permanent jobs, but with the way the DOE continues to throw 3020a charges like confetti at tenured veteran staff members, ATRs will still be around.


vacancies, or

Anonymous said...

"Forced Placements" sounds so harsh! We are dedicated professional educators not leftovers or cattle! Mulgrew is foolish to use this terminology when referring to ATRs. We are union members! We are at the front lines and if this treatment is allowed to continue it hurts the union as a whole. UNITED WE STAND!!! Whatever happened to that motto?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 8:52 am

Unfortunately, it is every man, woman, and child for themselves. Aside from Chaz, a few rank and file members, and the More/NA group, everyone only looks out for themselves. Union and teacher solidarity is a thing of the past. Sadly, when Bloomberg took over the schools, he and his administration declared war on teachers and this war continues today. Nothing has changed with Deblasio.

Anonymous said...


Dear Mulgrew/Unity sheep: Once union dues become optional bye bye gravy train!
Don't try to browbeat me. Tenure is meaningless. Seniority is meaningless. Union is meaningless. Thanks to YOU.

Good riddance!

Anonymous said...

Fariña is a 2 face.

Anonymous said...

Those of you that are victims of an abusive/vindictive principal, and were brought up on charges that are not true are on the target list. Your old principal may have contacted the field supervisor to let him/her that you should be targeted. Also Central may put a red flag in your file so you do not get hired. Once a principal decides to go after you, then you are basically done. Principals are using the observation process to discipline those who are not 100 percent obedients to the wrong policies, and speak up about wrongdoing. Those of you that will excessed you may have a little more time unless you really have around 30 years. Many teachers with 30 years are also being targeted because of high salaries. It is a system that punishes any experienced teacher that speaks up against wrongdoing. The percentage of ATRs getting Us is very high.

Anonymous said...

How many atrs have actually gotten u ratings?
and gone through the 3020A?
the uft says none.
idk of many.

Anonymous said...

Field supervisors are happy that they can deliver more unsatisfatory ratings for this year. They know that the UFT will not do anything to challenge the observation process on teachers that have students they do not know, and in classes of students with behavioral problems in bad schools. Field supervisors need to carry their dirty agenda by targeting ATRs that are on the list. Even chapter leaders are helping set up observations on ATRs. It is all just about making an ATR unwanted, demoralized and frustrated. All this is happening while less qualified and inexperienced fellow teachers are being hired. It is a plan designed by the greatest minds with the help of Mulgrew. As long as Mulgrew is happy nobody needs to question the set up for failure, and the fairness of the game. Experienced teachers that speak up will definetly be put on the target list, however if you are quiet they will wait a little bit longer to target you.

Anonymous said...

The role of the UFT is hands off approach, just stay on the sidelines as many ecperienced teachers get slaughtered in the last days of their careers. These are the back door deals that Nulgrew makes. The question is what perks does he get in return.

Anonymous said...

The DOE is spending millions of dollars to attract new inexperienced fellow teachers. They need to cover the positions left vacant by ATRs. Principals are working hard to target veteran experienced teachers by making them ATRs, also some new ATRs will come from schools closing. The state has already made the certification process easier so that the DOE can cover the positions that are left by the new ATRs. The UFT and the DOE will have another opportunity with field supervisors to set you up for failure, and get rid of you. It is a system designed by many experts for years. It has been planned since the 2005 contract to push senior teachers out. Mulgrew and Fariña are very happy that the ATR field supervisors are working well, and a hugh amount of ATRs are getting Us. The ATR field supervisor has an agenda to carry out so they will tell you they are here to find you a position, and then they will start rating you U. The UFT also does not want ATRs to have a chapter leader, so ATRs have no way to fight back and are kept in the dark. If you file a grievance probably the UFT will not do anything. They will write you a letter saying that they cannot be successful in pursuing the grievance.

Anonymous said...

They are afraid they may get sued, but there is an estimate of 20 percent to 30 percent.

Anonymous said...

The only way these attacks on us, and nonsense will stop is if the DOE cannot find enough new teachers. Another possibility is a major lawsuit. Otherwise the nonsense will continue...
The State of New York is already relaxing the rules for new teachers to get certified, because there is already a looming teacher shortage in the state of New York. Let us hope that the DOE come to their senses, and shift from going after teachers to trying to retain them.

Anonymous said...

The Union has embraced corruption.

Anonymous said...

The only way these attacks on us, and nonsense will stop is if the DOE cannot find enough new teachers. Another possibility is a major lawsuit. Otherwise the nonsense will continue...
The State of New York is already relaxing the rules for new teachers to get certified, because there is already a looming teacher shortage in the state of New York. Let us hope that the DOE come to their senses, and shift from going after teachers to trying to retain them.

Anonymous said...

Don't hold your breath on that happening.

Anonymous said...

Mulgrew's visit to Boca was two fold. One to give them his attention for future votes and for COPE money. The COPE money was his primary reason for being there as so many teachers are pulling their contributions.

Anonymous said...

Mulgrew should resign.

Highly Effective King Clovis said...

I got lucky in that a school I enjoyed working at contacted me to fill a maternity leave. I am enjoying this while it lasts because I know it won't last forever. But at least I am in a good school, and whatever happens, can say I taught in a good school and can cherish these memories. Is kinda sad to think about, but, such is life.

Anonymous said...

How do I cancel Cope fund on my paycheck? Does anyone know?

Chaz said...

Go to the COPE link on my blog and that tells you what to do.

Anonymous said...

I was hired as a provisional for a school last year. They have you sign a contract for staying until June. I ended up getting a developing rating unfairly, disrespected and booted out in June. I thought the principal who hired me was going to be my supervisor. I only found out after the fact that it was another woman. They don't tell you anything up front. The chapter leader was a sham. They figure they can do anything they want to you and treat you however they want because you have no support and the doe encourages them to be evil. Since I got a developing rating, I am on my ATR supervisor's target list. How do I know? Several ATR teachers I've met have been ATR's for more years and never observed while I'm going to have my third one this month.

Anonymous said...

Unfairly rated developing last year as provisional ATR.
Now I'm targeted for several observations. Other ATR teachers I've met have not been observed for years. I never should have signed on as provisional. The principal(not the one who interviewed and hired me) turned out to be a witch.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info Chaz

Anonymous said...

COPE contributions are skyrocketing.

Anonymous said...

Fill out COPE card. Put 0 in amt box.

Chaz said...

Anon 6:18

Really? It just shows that our members are being fooled once again by the leadership.

Bronx ATR said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

They like to target trachers with integrity.

Anonymous said...

Please cancel it our Union is corrupt.

Anonymous said...

Getting much worse. An ATR had a heart attack because of the harassment of a field supervisor.

Valencia Wilson said...

Something is happening! Please check Open Market, all ATRs. No longer listed as Excessed.

carlito said...

Man, I must've hit the lottery. Last week, I was probably the only ATR to be rotated to one of the worst schools within the DOE system. On top of that, my supervisor wants to observe me in this school. I feel that I'v being set up for failure.

mkrstic said...

I am a new ATR. 3020a. Does this mean I will not be force placed? No supervisor has contacted me yet. A new hire quit after the first day. I was given his program. They already said they won't hire me. I'm miserable. The kids are out of control and the school is awful. Thinking of resigning already. Any advice?

mkrstic said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mkrstic said...

That's the game: Get us to quit or fire us. I'm new so I don't really know how to plat the game but I am miserable.

mkrstic said...

Will 3020a ATRs be force placed?